10/7/2013 12:00:00 PM

The 2014 CR-Z goes on-sale tomorrow, combining sleek styling, numerous standard features and sporty handling while maintaining terrific fuel efficiency. The CR-Z was thoroughly updated for the 2013 model year with a more powerful battery pack, increased power and styling improvements, while also earning a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For 2014, the CR-Z remains the only hybrid vehicle offered with a sporty manual transmission.

Two models are available, the standard CR-Z with a starting MSRP of $19,9952, and the feature-rich EX with a starting MSRP of $21,8402. Both models come equipped with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an available CVT. Additional standard features on every new 2014 CR-Z include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Bluetooth® Audio, rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver's Mirror, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control. View, build and price a 2014 Honda CR-Z at http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-z.

Selectable Econ, Normal and Sport operating modes let the driver select his or her desired balance of economy and performance. In addition, the standard Plus Sport System delivers increased acceleration when the driver presses the "S+" button on the steering wheel (when the battery is more than 50-percent charged and the CR-Z is traveling over 19 mph).

BodyRefreshed with exterior design and trim upgrades for 2013, the CR-Z's "one-motion" exterior wedge shape begins at its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance, with its deeply inset beltline adding a dynamic element. Standard exterior features include power windows and door locks, remote entry, and an Expanded View Driver's Mirror. The up-level CR-Z EX model adds LED daytime running lights (DRL), High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with Auto-On/Off, and fog lights.

ChassisFront MacPherson strut and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension, along with electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering (EPS), are tuned to provide a sporty driving experience. All CR-Z models have 16-inch aluminum wheels and 195/55R-16 tires, and larger 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/45R-17 tires are available. The CR-Z 's low height, compact wheelbase and placement of the battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area contribute to a low center of gravity and responsive, sporty handling.

InteriorThe CR-Z interior has a high-tech appearance and intuitive controls. Its ultra-modern instrument panel features gauges that illuminate with a three-dimensional color theme for a multi-layered appearance, with the tachometer backlighting color changing based on driving style. The sweeping upper dashboard shape creates a wraparound cockpit environment. Premium sport-oriented seats provide firm lateral support along with everyday driving comfort. A console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space, with a hard-shell separator that can be closed to create additional hidden storage.

Standard electronic features include a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and speed-sensitive volume control, a CD/MP3 text readout and a USB3 auxiliary input jack for connection to a portable audio player. Other interior features include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, automatic climate control, cruise control and a rearview camera.

The up-level CR-Z EX adds a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with seven speakers including subwoofer, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. A Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System4 is available on the CR-Z EX and features a 6.5-inch screen and rearview camera display. Included with the Navi system are FM traffic and voice recognition, Pandora® Interface, Bluetooth® streaming audio and an SMS text messaging function.

SafetyHonda 's exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure helps protect occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS); a tire pressure monitoring system; and design features to the front of the vehicle intended to mitigate potential injuries to a pedestrian in a collision.

WarrantyThe 2014 Honda CR-Z is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/ unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty. A 15-year/150,000-mile emissions warranty also applies when the vehicle is registered and normally operated in California and certain states that have adopted California Zero-Emission Vehicle regulations.

3The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

4The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available on the CR-Z EX in the United States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

Third-party trademarks: The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license. Pandora, the Pandora logo and the Pandora trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pandora Media, Inc. Used with permission.